You've heard the phrase “dress for success” before, but while it's a good professional motto, does it also apply to the world of fitness? The short answer is yes. Once you know how sportswear affects your workout, you will no longer want to choose ordinary clothes for sports.
Content How sportswear affects your training: it gives your brain a boost They increase the intimidation factor How sportswear affects your training: it improves performance They prevent injuries and provide protection
There are actually reasons (other than just looking good) why trendy workout tanks, leggings and sneakers have become standard in the gym and studio. WomanEL will list them for you:
How sportswear affects your workout: it gives your brain a boost
When you put on that fun graphic tee and cut-out leggings, you may have experienced what experts call “latent cognition,” which refers to a kind of mental shift you experience when you wear certain clothes. One study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology suggests that clothing influences behavior and attitudes because it carries symbolic meaning.
Dr. Jonathan Fader, a sports psychologist for the New York Mets, says these findings are fully supported by real life. “When you put on new fitness gear, you start to get into character, like an actor putting on a costume for a performance,” says Fader. “As a result, you expect your performance to be higher, which will make you more mentally prepared for the task.”
Essentially, when you wear cute workout clothes, you're not only more likely to be active, but according to Fader, these tank tops and sweatpants will also make you feel more confident in your abilities, which can lead to improved concentration and motivation.
They increase the intimidation factor
Still skeptical about the physiological power of your outfit? Leah Lagos, a clinical and sports psychologist, says this phenomenon goes beyond what professional athletes who regularly work out in the gym might experience. “An athlete can gain a tangible psychological advantage over their opponents by wearing certain clothing or designs,” says Lagos. “Research has shown that professional sports teams wearing black uniforms are more aggressive than sports teams wearing non-black uniforms.”
If you're not a fan of all things black (or aren't planning on hitting the ballpark anytime soon), Fader says that “some studies even suggest that teams that wear red have an advantage over teams that wear blue.”
Centric Activewear combines the concept of color psychology with high-performance fabrics to create its products. “Color can reflect your mood, motivate your work and give you the opportunity to express yourself,” says the brand’s website.
How sportswear affects your training: it improves performance
While what you wear to the gym may give you the mental boost you need to get through a tough workout, you can't forget the power a great pair of running shoes can have in your half marathon training.
And you wouldn't wear the same sneakers on a hike, right? The right hiking boots from brands like Merrell provide extra traction and an air cushion inside the heel that absorbs shock and adds stability, allowing you to get the most out of your uphill climbs, providing the traction you need to tackle longer, more challenging trails. In simple words, this or that sportswear (and shoes) was designed taking into account the sport in which it is worn.
They prevent injury and provide protection
Warm, insulated fabrics are important to protect your body during cold weather morning runs. Do you live where it's hot? You'll want breathable, sweat-wicking material that will keep the surface of your skin cool and dry.
This applies to shoes, too. The correct running shoe size can prevent blisters, shin sprains, and foot or ankle injuries. Given that an injury can take a significant break from your training, it's worth investing in clothes, shoes and equipment that will help reduce your risk of injury.
But don't forget to wash your workout clothes properly. Here are a few secrets for caring for sconces.